Bill 118 hr 8872, also known as the Health Care Worker and First Responder Fairness Act, aims to provide additional support and protections for health care workers and first responders during public health emergencies. The bill seeks to ensure that these essential workers have access to necessary resources, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard pay, and mental health services.
Specifically, the bill includes provisions for the following:
1. Ensuring that health care workers and first responders have access to adequate PPE to protect themselves and others from infectious diseases.
2. Providing hazard pay to these workers who are on the front lines of public health emergencies, recognizing the increased risks they face in their roles.
3. Establishing mental health support services for health care workers and first responders who may experience trauma or stress as a result of their work during public health emergencies.
4. Implementing measures to prevent discrimination and retaliation against health care workers and first responders who raise concerns about safety or report violations of workplace protections.
Overall, the Health Care Worker and First Responder Fairness Act aims to prioritize the well-being and safety of these essential workers during times of crisis, ensuring that they have the support and resources they need to continue their important work.